We contribute to the development and continuous improvement of South Africa through various corporate, social and environmental responsibility programmes.

On-site Eco Initiatives

The Worm Farm (or vermiculture centre) processes leftover food and other organic matter into compost, used to fertilise the hotel’s gardens.

The hotel gardens are irrigated with water from the Hof spring mountain river that runs past the hotel.

Other projects include: 

• Replacing all non-aesthetic lighting with energy saving bulbs
• Recycling plastic, glass, paper, tin and cardboard
• Exercising environmentally-friendly gardening practices by planting indigenous trees, recycling lawn clippings and reducing the amount of chemicals
• Using environmentally-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products
• Using low sulphur diesel to power electricity generators

Human Resources Initiatives

HIV/AIDS training
Mount Nelson Hotel has implemented a successful Human Resources policy to manage and reduce the impact and effects of HIV/AIDS in the workplace. The hotel strives to ensure that any staff member infected with HIV/AIDS will not be discriminated against, and that they are supported, enabling them to continue work productively for as long as they are medically fit to do so.

The programme incorporates the following initiatives: 

• Policy development 
• HIV/AIDS information seminars 
• Management training 
• Information booklets and posters

Training and development
Mount Nelson Hotel offers a four-year practical in-service training programme to previously disadvantaged candidates wishing to pursue a career in the hotel industry. Each year the programme is offered to three chef and four hotel management candidates.

Staff Rewards Programme
The “You Make the Difference” staff recognition programme was designed to encourage staff to acknowledge the achievement of their peers’ extraordinary commitment to the hotel’s standards. The winning employee receives a cash prize and overseas trip.

Charitable Initiatives

Tourism Community Development Trust
Since 1997, Mount Nelson Hotel has raised over R1 million for the Tourism Community Development Trust. Funds raised assist in the building of houses for previously disadvantaged communities.

Current projects include: 

• Excess food is donated to Feedback, who redistribute surplus food to the poor 
• Supporting the “Proudly South African” campaign by stocking South African products in mini-bars 
• Donation of excess room amenities to selected charitable organisations 
• 80% of stock purchased for our Signature Boutique supports independent local artisans, traders and community projects 
• The Mount Nelson Hotel/Adele Searll 100 Club. This independently-run organisation started 26 years ago and has been holding monthly lunches for its members at the hotel since 1990. It contributes to 54 charities and has helped fund 85 bursaries for underprivileged students 
• Other charities supported by the hotel include: Friends of Vista Nova School, Animal Rescue Organisation, Robertson House for the physically disabled, Karl Bremer Hospital, Red Cross Children's Hospital, Childline, Institute for the Blind, Starfish Foundation & Ikhwezi Creche.